Female Empowerment Through Music
In Beyoncé’s Lemonade, one of the many topics addressed is female empowerment especially in the African-American community. I have compiled a list of other Black female musicians and their songs addressing female empowerment. Black female artists have created, almost, their own style of music that is a fusion of R&B, Pop, and Soul. Solo artists such as Nina Simone, Whitney Houston, and Janet Jackson have influenced artists and groups of today such as Beyoncé, Janelle Monáe, and Cardi B.
In the music industry through history, black women musicians have not been as popular in music as white women. In the world of music, women do not necessarily have the power that men do because of the structure of the music industry. Within the last 50–60 years, female empowerment music has grown significantly due to the rise of R&B, Hip Hop, Soul, and Pop music. Many African American females have entered the scene and made big splashes with their music both on and off the charts. “Anthems” have defined generations women while also helping sparked and aided movements, such as “Black Lives Matter” and “#MeToo”. Beyoncé’s Lemonade album shined a light and brought great attention to the world of African-American female artists. These songs speak to all women and the struggles that we face in todays world. No matter when the music was released, they continue to resonate with audiences around the world. Many of the songs I have collect are geared towards African American female empowerment throughout history. Although there are many more examples of female empowerment music, especially from African-American music, the ones below are the most notable in the industry.
Nina Simone was one of the first African-American solo artists to break through popular music. “Feeling Good” has become one of the top songs on pop and soul charts with covers by artists such as Michael Bublé and Muse.
The “Queen of Soul” Aretha Franklin crashed through the music scene with top hit “Respect”. This song calls for respect from everyone for all women for those basic rights that we all deserve.
“I Will Survive” is an anthem of resistance in a time that was riddled with hatred and war. Crashing through the Disco scene, it was unique for it’s lack in backing vocals and underproduction.
“I’m Coming Out” became significant in the LGBTQ+ community as an anthem around the act of coming out and not being afraid of who you are.
Janet Jackson, sister of “King of Pop” Michael Jackson is known for her rock fueled R&B sound of questioning what a ‘proper’ woman should be. With “Nasty” and “Control” her unique style of dance and lyrics pushed the roles of the feminist eye in the patriarchy and music industry.
One of the first black female pop groups, TLC, ruled the 90’s with the fusion of girl band, pop, and rap. “No Scrubs” and “Unpretty” stand for women even today as a way that take control of the men in their lives and not stepping down for anyone.
Queen Latifah, one of the first female rappers to break through, was not afraid to question what role women play in music and society. U.N.I.T.Y. called out the disrespecting of women in society while addressing sexual harassment and sexual abuse.
Beyoncé’s original group, Destiny’s Child, jumpstarted her career and gave her the voice to be a strong black artist within the pop genre.
Alicia Keys is known for her gorgeous melodies and strong messages for women. After taking a few year leave, Keys has entered back on the scene as a raw artist not conforming to the norms and expectations of society and the music industry.
Janelle Monáe and Erykah Badu are both known for pushing the boundaries that have not been addressed before. Both artists are though-provoking and tied with many social justice movements, that have used their songs to help their message.
Beyoncé’s sister, Solange, came onto the music scene shortly after Beyoncé with more of an R&B raw sound. Her song “Don’t Touch My Hair” speaks directly to black women and the trials and tribulations that they go through everyday of their lives.
